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Lesson 5 - Creating Space with Shots

Racket Control Strategies

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Year 4

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use tactical thinking and accurate racket control to create space and win points in tennis?

Learning Objectives

Develop tactical awareness of creating space to win points using forehand and backhand shots
Apply forehand and backhand techniques consistently to return the ball over the net
Demonstrate understanding of court positioning and recovery after each shot

Key Outcomes

Students will hit the ball accurately into space using forehand and backhand shots
Students will show tactical awareness by creating space to win rallies
Students will maintain correct ready position and court recovery between shots

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check grip size is appropriate for student hand size

Alternative: Table tennis bats, badminton rackets for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

7 balls per court pair

Use slower balls for better control and longer rallies

Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression tennis balls for beginners

Cones

20-25 cones

Used to mark court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Spots, markers, rope

Nets

7 nets/ropes

Height approximately 60-80cm for modified courts

Alternative: Benches turned on side, PE equipment posts

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis shot played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Backhand

A tennis shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Creating Space

Hitting the ball to areas of the court where your opponent is not positioned

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees slightly bent, racket up, ready to move in any direction

Recovery

Returning to the centre of the court after playing a shot to be ready for the next ball

Rally

A sequence of shots exchanged between players until a point is won

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic racket control and ball contact
Understanding of forehand and backhand techniques
Knowledge of court boundaries and net play

Current Skills

Tactical application of forehand and backhand shots
Creating space through accurate ball placement
Court positioning and recovery skills

Next Steps

Advanced tactical gameplay with varied shot selection
Competitive game situations with scoring
Understanding of different tennis strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball after one bounce

Accurate placement of shots into target areas

Demonstration of tactical thinking in shot selection

Key Teaching Points

Feet move first before preparing the racket for any shot
Watch the ball from opponent's racket all the way to your racket
Return to centre court position after every shot to be ready
Look for open spaces on opponent's court before hitting
Use control and placement rather than power to win points
Choose forehand or backhand based on ball position and body position
Maintain athletic ready position with knees bent and racket up

Common Misconceptions

That hitting harder always wins points - emphasise placement and tactics
That staying in one position is safer - teach importance of movement and recovery
That forehand is always better - show when backhand is more effective
That you must hit winners every shot - develop understanding of rally building
That tennis is only about technique - highlight tactical and mental aspects

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear court boundaries, regular position changes, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Larger target areas, slower balls, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time

autism spectrum

Clear routines for equipment setup, visual court maps, predictable game structures, quiet zones available

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal cues for ball position, use buddy system for court awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for tactical instructions, written strategy cards

physical disability

Seated tennis version, larger/lighter rackets, modified court size, balloon alternatives

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of shots, court geometry, scoring systems, statistical analysis of successful shots

Science

Forces in racket swing, ball trajectory physics, reaction time and movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, court mapping, directional language (left, right, forward, back)

PSHE

Fair play, resilience in competition, cooperation with partners, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally to observe all mini courts, move between courts during practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct shot selection, tactical awareness, and safe play

Intervention Points

["Step in if competitive intensity becomes too high", "Correct technique if risk of injury or poor learning", "Support students struggling with tactical concepts"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show tactical concepts, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Feet first, then racket!'
•'Look for the space!'
•'Back to centre!'
•'Control not power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple mini courts 8m x 6m with 2m safety zones between courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, good grip for quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket grips are secure and appropriate size
•Inspect rackets for cracks or loose strings
•Ensure nets/ropes are stable and correct height
•Use appropriate ball type for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact between students during movement
•Slips during quick directional changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collision during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and enforced
•Controlled swing techniques taught and reinforced
•Appropriate spacing between courts maintained
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity in games
•Check technique to prevent overuse injuries

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious